Day 18: Just like school picture day (only better)

Not every day is glamour day here at Fab Gabs. Yesterday was a photoshoot, and before I got pretty while Solanah and the photographer were shooting, I was in my workout gear. (Why? Because I got up at 5am to start steaming garments.)  And Solanah was so stunning, with her amazing hairstyle (more on that later) and the pretty uber-fantastic 50s stuff that I picked up, that I decided to go a little fancy.

I love this ensemble. It is one of my absolute favorites. A go-to for rockabilly shows, sunny days, dates and just when I really need to feel cute. Would you believe I almost sold that skirt? I bought it for the shop, but then I measured it. It is a circle skirt with button-adjusting waist that goes from 28"-34". YEAH - my entire size range! I'll never have to get rid of it. *Love.*

I should have thought to get you a close-up of my hair. I had taken Solanah to have her hair done by Kristen Behlings in the morning, a local and entirely fabulous vintage hair dresser. Although I've had her style my hair, and have even gone to class or two, it wasn't quite the same as getting to just WATCH her technique. So I was inspired to do my own complicated style. I love how it came out.

I think I lost this belt last night, unless it turns up at the late-night Thai restaurant we were at. I'm heartbroken. It's 1950s butter leather in that fabulous green, and I know I'll never find another.

Snood: Modern Reproduction from La Rosa Vintage Boutique in San Francisco (they're $8.)
Sweater: From the estate of a woman who ran the John Powers Modeling Agency
Skirt: Antique store. "Square dance skirt, $10"
Belt: Estate sale find
Shoes: ReMix, from Top-Stitch Vintage
Bakelite Necklace: Flea Market Purchase
Bakelite: Various, but the two-tone has a great story. I'd had one of the absolute best days turn into a worst day, and was really bummed. Jesse took me to a Goodwill. I told him - jokingly! - to find me some Bakelite to cheer me up. He did - that giant deep orange and butterscotch piece, for $6.99.  Okay then.

I can't wait to preview the items from our photoshoot for you. So I'm going to do a little previews post, before there are any official sneak peeks! I might do it this way from now on, too, if you like what you see!

Day 17: Day to Evening

I'm a big believer in versatility for a vintage wardrobe. That's why my 365 day challenge doesn't disallow reusing individual pieces, just total ensembles.

I promised two outfits for yesterday, and that's what I did.

This is what I call "front seat change."  You know you'll need to move from day activities to evening, with no real chance to change. And you don't want to use the restroom at work or at Starbucks to put on a pretty dress. So, I had a spare scarf, change of shoes, and a tailored jacket with me. I kept a basic black bakelite bangle in purse and changed out the jewelry, too. I didn't even untie my original turban, just looped the black through it it, and secured it with a single fine hat pin.

The jacket is a fabulous 40's gab piece on loan from my own shop. I hadn't listed it yet, because I wanted to borrow it. We went out to sushi, and then immediately to the gym, so I actually didn't get to enjoy it for very long, but I suppose that saves a trip to the dry cleaner! Sigh.

Today (Day 18!) is our first photoshoot in nearly TWO MONTHS. Whew! I was gettin' sort of nervous. I have the most fantastic things for the shop, I'm really excited. But I'll also be really tired when it is over, so the Day 18 post will probably be late, too!

Enjoy! Work with your wardrobe, your solid color dresses - and skirts - are major assets. And if you don't have very many, get more, because as amazing and wonderful as prints are, solid colors will always travel twice the miles - they're what make mixing and matching work!

Day 16 1/2: Wednesday Weigh-In & One for Dear Old San Francisco

So, Wednesdays from now on will include an official weigh-in.

Current Weight: 182.4 lbs

Starting Weight: 185 lbs

Weight Loss to Date: 2.6 lbs

At just over two weeks, this is safe, slow, healthy weight loss. 

With my increased time at the gym, it might accelerate a bit, but I'm being careful to not over-do.

This outfit was actuallyy inspired by the scarf, which I really treasure. I dated a man who lived in San Francisco for a few years, and the place became like a second home to me. It was always so wonderful to drive over the Bay Bridge into the city after 10 hours of driving.

This tourist scarf was a gift from Sarah of Stutterin' Mama, who knew how much the place meant to me. It took some time to get the Bay Bridge properly centered, and it is tried in a fairly unconventional manner to make it work! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new shoes from ModCloth! They are the Chelsea Crew  "Alexa" and if you are a size 39, 40 or 41 (41 fits a modern 10, they run a hair small) you can pick up a pair in black for a steal of $35 (yes, you read that right!) at DNA Footwear. The ivory can be had from ModCloth, and if you're a tiny size, there is a site with RED and TEAL in this style. For those recently on a shoe binge, like me.

Today's outfit is a lot like yesterday's - except you get to see today's! I did something very stupid with the camera, and accidentally confirmed that "yes" I wanted to delete "this image." WAIT!!! That said ALL IMAGES! Nooooooo! So, I'm doing two posts today to make up for it!

Dress: Bombshell Vintage

Scarf: Sarah of Stutterin' Mama

Coat: Private purchase

Shoes: Mod Cloth

Purse: Thrift Store find

Bakelite: Various